Product Development & Application Engineer - Investment Casting Christy Minerals

Position Summary

The Product Development & Application Engineer - Investment Casting is a key technical leader for Christy Minerals' investment casting business across the Midway and High Hill facilities. This role combines sales engineering support, R&D/product development and field-based customer support to develop new products and technology, support plant needs and drive profitable growth. This individual will serve as a primary technical liaison between the plants (including lab and production), the sales team and our customers, helping to define product requirements, troubleshoot performance, and lead or support field trials.

• Provide advanced technical support and troubleshooting to customers and the internal sales team for investment casting products and applications.
• Develop a deep understanding of customer processes, requirements and pain points, and translate these into technical solutions, product modifications and new product opportunities.
• Support the sales team in preparing proposals, responding to technical questions and visiting customers as needed, including travel for field trials and key account support.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations, reports and training materials for customers, agents and internal stakeholders.

• Lead and/or support product development projects, working closely with operations, the lab and sales to bring new or improved products and technologies to market (this role serves as the primary R&D resource for Midway).
• Conduct lab work, including testing, analysis and documentation, to support product development, qualification, failure analysis and continuous improvement.
• Act as the technical bridge between the lab and the plant, translating lab data into practical production and product decisions.
• Partner with lab leadership on priorities, test plans and interpretation of results to support both customer needs and plant performance.

• Assist with planning, executing and documenting product trials at customer sites, including set‑up, data collection, analysis and recommendations.
• Provide technical input to the plant on product specifications, process parameters and problem-solving related to investment casting products.
• Maintain accurate records of trials, customer interactions and technical issues in CRM or other designated systems.

• Monitor industry trends, competitive products and new technologies in investment casting and related markets and recommend potential responses or opportunities.
• Contribute ideas for new products, product enhancements and application opportunities that align with Christy Minerals' strategic priorities.

• Bachelor's degree in Ceramic Engineering strongly preferred;
  Materials Science, Metallurgy or closely related engineering disciplines will be considered.
• 3-5 years of experience in one or more of the following (preferred):
  • Investment casting foundry operations.
  • Investment casting product development or research.
  • Technical sales or technical service in investment casting or a closely related materials/industrial environment.
• Candidates with less experience (including recent graduates) may be considered based on their demonstrated capabilities, relevant internships/co‑ops and technical aptitude; however, priority will be given to candidates with practical industry experience who can contribute quickly.

• Solid understanding of ceramic materials, refractories, or related materials used in investment casting.
• Experience with lab testing, data analysis, and technical documentation.
• Ability to diagnose process and product issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Proficiency with standard office software (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); familiarity with lab and testing software is a plus.

• Self‑starter who can independently plan and execute work aligned with Christy Minerals' business objectives and sales priorities.
• Demonstrates professional behaviors and decision‑making consistent with The Christy Way.
• Strong…